Lipscomb University men's basketball coach Scott Sanderson has announced the signing of Israel Kirk, a former standout at Lighthouse Christian School in Antioch.

Kirk, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward, averaged 16.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. He also scored more than 1,300 points in his high school career.

"Israel will be one of the best athletes on our team," said Sanderson. "His learning process will be the key to how early he is able to help. He should have a good future as a Bison."

Kirk was named team MVP as a junior and senior. As a junior he was District MVP in the MTCAA and TAACS State MVP. Kirk was selected as an All-State player his senior year. He was also named a "Blue Chip All-Star", the "Top Sleeper in Tennessee" in prep basketball and was on the top 25 ranked seniors in the state of Tennessee list published by Rick Bolus.

"Israel has the ability to take his game, and those around him, to a new level," said Lighthouse Christian Coach Victor Wharton. "Even though he is a big man, his game is more that of a small forward. He is not limited."

A number of schools expressed interest in Kirk including Austin Peay, Tennessee Tech, Palm Beach Atlantic, Virginia State, Tennessee State Air Force and Alabama-Huntsville.

"Lipscomb has a good campus environment," Kirk said. "Their NCAA Division I program is on the rise. Coach Sanderson and assistant coach Shaun Senters are great people. I want them to teach me more about the game."